NYS Archives Celebrates America's 250th! | | |
Pictured Above: The original painting is titled “Declaration of Independence,” by John Trumbull, done in oil on canvas from the Yale University School of Fine Arts. The New York State Archives has a photograph of the oil painting (in NYSA series A3045 Division of Visual Instruction Lantern Slides, no. 657.)
Trumbull’s painting depicts the five-man drafting committee presenting a document to the Congress on June 28, 1776. The committee members, at the center, were (Left to Right) John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Robert R. Livingston of New York, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, and Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania. A larger version of the painting hangs in the U.S. Capitol.
| | What's New at the NYS Archives | | |
Revolutionary New York is a landmark new exhibition commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Spanning almost 7,000 square feet, the exhibit uses themes developed by the New York State 250th Commemoration Commission to draw connections between the ideals of the Revolutionary War and more modern fights for equality, including the birth of the women’s suffrage movement in Seneca Falls, the Stonewall Uprising, emancipation and the Underground Railroad, and climate justice.
The exhibit officially opened to the public on July 1, 2026 and will be on display for several years at the NYS Museum.
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The New York State Archives and New York State Library are pleased to announce that the third 5-year contract for the Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) has been awarded to the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts.
The Millbrook Library is one of many organizations across New York State benefiting from the support of DHPSNY. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the library stewards the Bennett College Collection—an important archive documenting the experiences of women pursuing higher education when opportunities were limited.
In 2023, the library partnered with DHPSNY to complete an Archival Needs Assessment, gaining a clear roadmap to strengthen stewardship of the collection. Building on that guidance, the library successfully secured two consecutive Documentary Heritage Program (DHP) grants from the New York State Archives. These awards have enabled staff to organize, describe, and expand access to the collection, ensuring that the stories of Bennett College students and alumnae remain accessible to researchers and the community.

As plans move forward to redevelop the former Bennett College campus into a public park and future museum, the collection—strengthened through DHPSNY support—will play a central role in interpreting and sharing this important history.
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In 1949 and 1950, the New York State Freedom Train, inspired by the national Freedom Train, carried 83 documents from New York’s history to cities and towns statewide. Fifty-three of these records are now available in digital format on ConsidertheSourceNY.org, giving educators, researchers, and the public direct access to materials that have shaped our lives.
Documents include the Flushing Remonstrance, a draft of the Emancipation Proclamation handwritten by President Abraham Lincoln, and an engrossed copy of the United States Constitution ratified by the New York State Convention in 1788.
The State Archives and State Library’s Manuscripts and Special Collections Unit present, The Story of American Freedom: New York State’s Freedom Train.
The display showcases a portion of the documents exhibited on New York’s Freedom Train; a train that traveled around the state in 1949 and 1950 carrying records highlighting the instrumental role New York played in the evolution of American freedom.
The records can be viewed in the 11th floor lobby of the Cultural Education Center from 9:30-4:00p throughout the months of July and August!
Additional educational resources, including Revolutionary War themed articles from New York Archives magazine and New York Archives Jr!, the New York State 250th Commemoration Field Guide, and sample learning activities for each interpretive theme are available on our website.
Want more? All Revolutionary War-themed articles from New York Archives magazine are available for free during the 250th commemoration on ConsidertheSourceNY.org.
Don't forget to also check out Regent Norwood's video on the Freedom Train.
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Check Out Our Latest Video
New York State Regent Wade S. Norwood describes his 1975 visit to the National Bicentennial Freedom Train as a child in Rochester, NY, and reflects on his memory of the items displayed on the train.
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Thank you for another successful Online Speaker Series Season. Recordings are available if you missed one, want to share, or would like to rewatch a favorite.
Stay Tuned for next season's schedule! Be sure to subscribe to the Fall issue of New York Archives magazine for the 2026-2027 lineup.
| | Education Resource Center for NYS History | | |
The Archives Partnership Trust, in partnership with the New York State Education Department, is proud to announce the launch of the Educational Resource Center for New York State History—made possible by a historic $1 million gift from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.
This new Center will serve as a dynamic hub for students, educators, and researchers—expanding access to primary sources, enhancing classroom learning, and bringing New York’s rich history to life.
From classroom-ready resources like ConsiderTheSourceNY.org, to "New York Archives" magazine and "Archives Jr!", to professional development and student research opportunities, the Center will connect learners of all ages with the stories that shape our state.
We are deeply grateful to the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation for their leadership and commitment to preserving and promoting New York’s history for generations to come. Stay tuned—more exciting programs and opportunities are on the way!
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NYS History Conference at Marist | | |
Last month, Archie the Jr! Archivist was on the move!
Archie and his pals from the New York State Archives and the NYS Office of Cultural Education made their way to Marist University for the New York State History Conference!
They loved meeting fellow history enthusiasts, sharing the importance of archives, and inspiring the next generation of curious minds. We hope you got a chance to spot Archie while you were there!
| | Tours at the NYS Archives | | |
We were pleased to welcome interns from the New York State Office of the Inspector General to the New York State Archives!
During their visit, interns toured the Archives, learned about the essential role of records management and preservation, and explored how historical records support transparency, accountability, and government operations. The experience offered a unique look at how the past informs present-day public service.
Thank you to the Office of the Inspector General interns for visiting—we’re glad to support the next generation of public servants.
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We were delighted to welcome members of the Daughters of the American Revolution to the New York State Archives! Representatives presented a check to the Archives Partnership Trust for the digitization of records detailing the cost of the American Revolution.
Visitors also explored the rich history preserved in our collections, learned about the vital work of archival preservation, and got an up-close look at some of New York’s most fascinating historical records.
It was a meaningful opportunity to connect shared missions of preserving and promoting history.
Thank you to the Daughters of the American Revolution for spending the day with us and for your continued dedication to keeping history alive.
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Our Summer Issue is Launching Soon! Have you subscribed yet?
What better way to celebrate the 4th of July Weekend than to lounge by the pool and read up on New York history?
Our featured article, "Train of Freedom" celebrates America's 250th with a photo essay about the NYS Freedom Train.
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A new season brings a new issue of Archives Jr! that explores the New York State Freedom Train. It includes learning activities that uses primary source documents to show how NYS has worked over time to secure the rights of its citizens.

Remember, FREE copies of Archives Jr! are available to any educator or student in New York State even during the Summer!
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When at the Cultural Education Center
Be Sure to Check Out All Programs!
(Archives, Library, Museum)
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Archie's
Investigation Station
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Thursdays Weekly - 10:30 am
Kids Cove | Free
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Dive into the world of Archie the Jr! Archivist. Come explore a fun learning activity inspired by an issue of New York Archives Magazine, where students can discover fascinating history, analyze primary sources, and engage with interactive projects!

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Thursdays Weekly - 11:00 am
Discovery Place | Free
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Curious about New York's past? 
Come uncover the stories behind the state's history— one document at a time!
Each session offers a peek into New York State’s rich and surprising history through carefully chosen original documents, photographs, and videos. 

An expert archivist will be on hand to share stories, answer your questions, and reveal how we uncover and preserve the past. You never know what fascinating piece of history you’ll discover!
| | | New York Archives Partnership Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, supports education, preservation, and outreach programs not funded by the state in order to make accessible archives from nearly 400 years of New York's colonial and state governments. Visit us at nysarchivestrust.org and considerthesourceny.org. | | | | |
